Badminton Backhand Strike Techniques
Every badminton player desires to hit the perfect stroke, hitting from one back lobby to another with pinpoint precision. The backhand clear is the most challenging shot to master and practice in badminton. Here’s a guide that will help you master the backhand clearly in just a few steps.
Technique for Backhand Grips
The grip is what matters in this whole process. It will be challenging to master the stroke if you don’t have the right grip. Players make the most common error of holding their grip in the backhand drive (thumb on the flat side). This is a terrible mistake.
The grip should look like the image. The thumb should be placed on the handle’s side edge. This is important because if your thumb is flat, it can restrict the fluid movement of your wrist to hit the shot. It would help if you had a loose grip with your thumb slightly higher than your index finger. The thumb should also be pressing down on the handle.
The in-game environment is another crucial aspect to consider. It can be challenging to change from a forehand grip into the grip mentioned above in so little time. You will need to practice switching off-court many times to get the perfect shot.
Backhand Badminton Wrist Action
To connect the shuttle to its sweet spot, you must use your wrist correctly and with good timing. To achieve maximum efficiency and precision in the stroke, the wrist should be kept behind the racket before you hit the shot. To master the forearm rotation, you will need to practice it many times.
Clearing a Badminton Backhand
At first, you will face the opposition player. When you receive the shuttle on your backhand side, you must turn around and move towards the flight. To execute the backhand, you must be calm and well-balanced.
Once you have turned, bend your knees slightly and take a swing on the racket. You are now ready to hit the shuttle with your crisp backhand.
You should ensure that you are at the right distance from the shuttle. It would help if you were not too close to the shuttle. Assume the hitting point is just above your head. The shuttle will then enter that zone and aim at that. This will help you to time better.
Place the shuttle on your side, just a few feet ahead or behind you. You are now in a good place to execute the shot.
Imagine a point in space on your side, just above your head. It is about an arm’s distance from your body. Here is where the shuttle will be waiting. You can anticipate the loop and release the backswing as soon as the shuttle gets close to your imagined spot.
Keep your wrist down until you hit the shuttle.
Just as you are about to make contact, let go of the wrist action. Keep the racket slightly in the upwards direction. You can open the wrist and whip it vigorously with an arm rotation. It’s done! You have the perfect backhand.
Fluid motion is the key to Hidayat’s success at hitting clean backhands. To achieve smooth action, connect all three steps seamlessly, one after another. Just before hitting the shuttle, your elbow should be straight. This is to prevent any dissipation in the energy created by the shot. This will contain your elbow from experiencing a jerk action that can cause various injuries and could affect your game over time.
Remember that the backhand clearance is primarily used as an emergency shot. Most players prefer to take the overhead shot instead. A strong backhand clear can be a powerful weapon in your arsenal to help you achieve your goal of being a great badminton player.
Last Thoughts
Here you are! Now you know how to hit the perfect backhand. The game begins before you even step onto the court. Visualize yourself hitting the stroke many times before you hit it. This will give you confidence and clarity when performing the actual stroke.